Bhumjaithai challenges Pheu Thai to dump casino plan for good
Bhumjaithai spokeswoman Boonthida Somchai called the move to withdraw the bill a political tactic to avoid a defeat in the House of Representatives, which would force the government to dissolve parliament or resign.
'We disagreed with the withdrawal. If Pheu Thai wants she said.
The Ubon Ratchathani MP made the statement after the end of a party meeting an which members reaffirmed their intention to kill the bill.
The 69-MP Bhumjaithai Party is now part of the opposition after a falling-out over cabinet positions led it to exit the coalition.
Pheu Thai on Monday confirmed on the withdrawal of the Entertainment Complex Bill, which was scheduled to be introduced on Wednesday. It claimed more understanding was needed for public support of the highly contentious draft.
The withdrawal had been anticipated after Bhumjaithai moved to the opposition benches, leaving the coalition government with a slim majority in the House of Representatives.
The administration now controls 261 seats against 234 by the opposition, making passage of the bill risky.
The cabinet on Tuesday approved the withdrawal.
'The draft bill in question involves issues that require time for public understanding,' government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said after the cabinet meeting.
'It is therefore appropriate to withdraw this draft bill from parliament's deliberation,' he said without indicating when it might be reconsidered.
The crux of the bill is the establishment of casino venues inside integrated entertainment complexes to promote tourism and woo gamblers to the country.
Ms Boonthida said Bhumjaithai was confident some government MPs would vote against the bill had it been put for vote in parliament.
Pheu Thai initially hoped to attract at least 100 billion baht in new investment in casinos and entertainment complexes, and expected foreign tourist arrivals to rise by up to 10%.
However, the plan has faced more opposition than its promoters anticipated, with a January opinion poll showing a majority of the public disapproving of the idea.
Some political parties and other prominent figures have also argued that building a gambling industry would worsen social problems.
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Bangkok Post
13 hours ago
- Bangkok Post
Bhumjaithai challenges Pheu Thai to dump casino plan for good
The Bhumjaithai Party has accused the governing Pheu Thai Party of lacking sincerity following its decision to remove a bill to promote casinos from parliament. Bhumjaithai spokeswoman Boonthida Somchai called the move to withdraw the bill a political tactic to avoid a defeat in the House of Representatives, which would force the government to dissolve parliament or resign. 'We disagreed with the withdrawal. If Pheu Thai wants she said. The Ubon Ratchathani MP made the statement after the end of a party meeting an which members reaffirmed their intention to kill the bill. The 69-MP Bhumjaithai Party is now part of the opposition after a falling-out over cabinet positions led it to exit the coalition. Pheu Thai on Monday confirmed on the withdrawal of the Entertainment Complex Bill, which was scheduled to be introduced on Wednesday. It claimed more understanding was needed for public support of the highly contentious draft. The withdrawal had been anticipated after Bhumjaithai moved to the opposition benches, leaving the coalition government with a slim majority in the House of Representatives. The administration now controls 261 seats against 234 by the opposition, making passage of the bill risky. The cabinet on Tuesday approved the withdrawal. 'The draft bill in question involves issues that require time for public understanding,' government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said after the cabinet meeting. 'It is therefore appropriate to withdraw this draft bill from parliament's deliberation,' he said without indicating when it might be reconsidered. The crux of the bill is the establishment of casino venues inside integrated entertainment complexes to promote tourism and woo gamblers to the country. Ms Boonthida said Bhumjaithai was confident some government MPs would vote against the bill had it been put for vote in parliament. Pheu Thai initially hoped to attract at least 100 billion baht in new investment in casinos and entertainment complexes, and expected foreign tourist arrivals to rise by up to 10%. However, the plan has faced more opposition than its promoters anticipated, with a January opinion poll showing a majority of the public disapproving of the idea. Some political parties and other prominent figures have also argued that building a gambling industry would worsen social problems.
Bangkok Post
20 hours ago
- Bangkok Post
Thailand to withdraw casino bill
The government will withdraw a controversial bill to legalise casinos from parliament following public opposition and a recent political turmoil. A motion to withdraw the so-called 'entertainment complex' bill from the current session of parliament will be raised on Wednesday, a government whip said on Monday. The government had earlier indicated that it would delay the introduction of the bill saying it needed more time to communicate with the public and address their concerns about gambling and money laundering. The move to pull the bill came after the exit of the Bhumjaithai Party, which had opposed the bill, and the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for alleged ethical misconduct. Ms Paetongtarn also faces other legal challenges after a leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, in which she was critical of the Thai army's role in an ongoing border standoff with the neighbouring country. Without a clear majority, the government may face challenges in passing controversial or essential bills that have been lined up in the coming months. The move to withdraw the bill is likely to frustrate foreign investors interested in developing casinos in Thailand as part of big entertainment complexes.
Bangkok Post
20 hours ago
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Gambling push put on hold
The chief government whip has confirmed the highly controversial Entertainment Complex Bill will be withdrawn from parliament tomorrow, so an amnesty bill can proceed. Wisut Chainarun, a Pheu Thai Party MP and chief government whip, said yesterday that the government will officially remove the bill from parliamentary consideration tomorrow. "The bill will definitely be withdrawn on July 9. There is no need for anyone to protest or rally over this matter. Please go home and relax. Discussions have already been held within the party, and I reiterate that the withdrawal is not being made out of fear," Mr Wisut said. He explained that the reason for the withdrawal stems from the need for better public understanding and to allow time for the current wave of intense debate on the issue to subside. "We previously urged everyone to ensure the public fully understood the bill. "Now that the discussion has reached its peak, we believe it is appropriate to withdraw the bill for the time being. There is no loss of face [on Pheu Thai's part]. If anyone still has concerns, the government remains open to listening," he said. When asked whether the bill might be reintroduced in the future, Mr Wisut said that it was too early to say. He cited the example of the Peaceful Society Promotion Bill concerning an amnesty, which faced significant criticism when it was proposed several years ago. "Back then, the amnesty bill was heavily attacked, yet today no one seems to object," he noted. Mr Wisut confirmed that once the Entertainment Complex Bill is officially pulled, four political amnesty bills, including those proposed by coalition parties, will go up for debate instead on July 9, with Pheu Thai hoping the final version of the bill will foster national reconciliation. The bills will definitely be brought forward for parliamentary deliberation, he added. The Pheu Thai Party has drafted its own amnesty bill so political offenders can be pardoned, although it reiterated earlier that the legislation will not include amnesty for those found guilty under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, also known as the lese majeste law. As to the charter amendment plan, Mr Wisut explained that Pheu Thai would wait to read it before deciding whether to go full steam ahead. "If the proposal involves Chapters 1 or 2, we will not support it. We seek to amend the constitution, but we will not touch Chapters 1 and 2," he said. Chapter 1 contains sections that define Thailand as a single, indivisible kingdom with a democratic regime and establish the King as the head of state. Chapter 2, meanwhile, outlines royal prerogatives.
